FROM THE DEAN »
College of Education community impacts work we do both locally and globally
People are the power behind our work .
A young Ohio woman , drawn to teaching from an early age , finds that her passion lies in empowering others through literacy . A husband-and-wife team of professors combine their love of science and math with the excitement of space exploration to develop a curriculum that stirs the imaginations and opens the world of astronomy to Kentucky middle school students . A group of researchers implement movement breaks in an elementary school classroom to learn whether physical activity positively impacts academic achievement . A teacher with a passion for both social science and the STEM fields sets out to find out why STEM majors leave the field and the ensuing impact on undergraduate education .
All of these stories are connected by the common thread of the University of Kentucky College of Education .
On the wall outside my office in Dickey Hall are the words “ Innovate . Inquire . Inspire .” Those “ i ” words describe much of what motivates our work . I would add another “ i ” word to the list : “ Impact .” We don ’ t study simply for our own benefit ; we learn so that we may then use that knowledge to enhance the world around us . We don ’ t do research simply to get answers or to raise further questions ; we use the information to help solve problems . We don ’ t teach simply to reach the students seated before us ( in person or in our virtual classrooms ); we instruct and encourage and shape those who will make a difference in an ever-increasing ripple , touching lives for generations to come .
People are the power behind our work . The UK
College of Education community impacts the work we are doing locally and globally . Our students , alumni , faculty , staff and supporters give back , broaden our perspective and propel us further . It brings to mind the saying that “ in the right formation , the lifting power of many wings can achieve twice the distance of any bird flying alone .” ( Milton Olson , “ A Lesson from the Geese ,” 1998 .)
The stories in this issue of Next are examples of the lifting power of many wings . There are many more examples , and I encourage you to visit our website at education . uky . edu , explore our programs , or schedule a visit . We thank you for your support and interest in the life-changing mission of the College .
We can all make an impact through our work together . Go Cats !
Mary John O ’ Hair Dean of the UK College of Education
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